The South Carolina Department of Transportation (877-349-7190) requires liability and uninsured motorist with limits of 25/50/25 for oversize/overweight vehicles. Also, check with the Public Service Commission at 803-896-5230 for additional information on vehicles for hire such as taxis, buses, etc.

South Carolina is a tort liability state, which means the not-at-fault person can pursue a claim against the at-fault party. South Carolina is also comparative negligence, which means you can be barred from collecting for the percentage you contributed to the accident.

Yes, as of 3/1/99, there is no mandate to write automobile insurance. You must shop around to find a company that will insure you. If you cannot find a company to insure you, then you will need to contact the Associated Auto Insurers Plan of South Carolina (AAIPSC) at .866-560-4100.

In general, insurance companies should pay all claims in a prompt and reasonable amount of time. However, what constitutes "prompt and reasonable" may vary from claim to claim. Claims that require a special or extended investigation may take longer to resolve. Inclement weather conditions, coverage issues, and the number of vehicles involved in an accident can slow the process down.

After your vehicle has been declared a total loss, you can retain the salvage; however, the value of the salvaged vehicle must be deducted from the actual cash value of the vehicle when the insurer pays you. The Department of Motor Vehicles, in these cases, do require the insurer to obtain your title from you and send it to them. The Department of Motor Vehicles will reissue your title to you with salvage on the title.

Yes. The Blue Book is only a guide. The company is required to pay you what your vehicle was actually worth (as a used car) the moment before the crash. The adjuster will find out how much used cars like yours (same make, model, year, and milege) are going for in your area. It's a good idea for you to independently research the value of your car too.

You can have it repaired wherever you choose. But no matter what shop you choose, the adjuster will base your claim payment on market price for the repairs and pay the local average rates for parts & labor.

When the claim is against the other driver's company, the other driver’s company is required by law to reimburse your loss of use for what is reasonable and necessary. However, some insurers will do a direct bill with a rental car company.

If the car is totaled, many companies pay for your rental or reimburse you until a settlement has been offered.

Because your car is collateral for your loan, the leinholder (or whoever is financing the car) has an interest in making sure the money is used to repair the car and not for something else. In most situations, you have listed your financial institution as leinholder per their requirement.

The South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles requires you to carry uninsured motorist coverage. This coverage has a $200.00 deductible. If your carrier collects back their payout from the uninsured motorist, you should be refunded your deductible.

Yes. Your liability insurance covers lawsuits. Your company has a duty to provide a lawyer to represent you in lawsuits accusing you of negligence in driving your car. If you receive a summons or notice of a lawsuit, notify your company right away. Although the company pays for the lawyer, the lawyer's ethical duty is to represent your best interest. There is no policy limit on how much the company must pay the lawyer to represent you.

If the case is settled or there is a judgment against you, the company will pay up to the policy limit . But if the court judgment or settlement is more than your policy limits, you will have to pay the difference. The company may refuse to defend you if you are accused of intentionally injuring someone or intentionally damaging property.